Geography grade 9 term 4, South African curriculum

Sustainability grade 9 geography.

1. Sustainable Use of Resource Ways resources may be used sustainably

2. Sustainability Sustainable resource use means that resources are used in a way that there will be enough resources left for future generations. This refers to renewable resources, as they can, replace themselves.

3. Sustainable fishing

4. An estimated 1.3 billion tons of edible food is being thrown away every year. It means that the food being produced to meet demands is not necessary. People need to be made aware of their waste and make an effort to only purchase what they need. For example, when the demand for fish goes up, it puts pressure on fish populations and can cause these populations to be under strain. Governments introduced legislation regarding the amount, types and age of fish that can be caught. Some governments implemented the quota system , this determines the amount of a certain type of fish that can be caught per year. Young fish cannot be caught so that they can reach maturity and produce offspring to repopulate the species.

5. The effects of unsustainable fishing practices

6. Ways in which resources can be used sustainably Marine reserves Regulation Fishing effort limits – number of boats out at sea Quotas Technical measures – how and where fishing takes place Fish classifications Education Aquaculture (fish farming)

7. Activity 4 Explain what overfishing means. How does the quota system work? Why might the quota system be unsuccessful? Discuss three ways to limit the number of young fish that are caught. What will happen to food resources if people do not reduce their food waste?

8. Role of individuals in choosing more sustainable resources Through our demand for products, we influence the way resources are produced and how resources are used in the production process. We should make decisions on the products we buy to allow our products to be produced more sustainably.

9. What should be done Reduce pressure on resources – reduce, reuse, recycle. This puts less pressure on resources especially choosing products/packaging that can be reused or recycled, it reduces the amount of waste produced. Lowering carbon footprints – global warming and climate change are caused by the amount of greenhouses gasses in the atmosphere (CO2, N2O, CH4). By increasing our reliance and usage of fossil fuels we are adding to more carbon into the air. Individuals – consumers can influence the suppliers of products through their demand. In this way people play a major role in the way products are produced and resources are being used. Businesses – manufacturing businesses consume large quantities or raw materials and electricity in the production process. By using renewable resources businesses can reduce their carbon footprint Governments – should move towards renewable energy sources as well as introducing legislation that forces businesses to recycle their waste and manufacturers to make sure their products are recyclable.

10. Activity 5 Explain how individual pressure on businesses can lead to sustainability, with examples. Describe three ways you make a personal effort to contribute to sustainability. Why do governments need to put legislation in place to ensure resources are conserved in their countries?